Mobile station, measurement control method, processor, and base station

ABSTRACT

A mobile station is configured with a logged MBSFN measurement in which a reception status of an MBMS is measured and collected by a logged MDT. The mobile station transmits an availability indicator to a network at a predetermined timing except when the logged MBSFN measurement is still ongoing, the availability indicator indicating an availability of the logged MBSFN measurement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a measurement control method used in amobile communication system.

BACKGROUND ART

In a mobile communication system, if a building is built in the vicinityof a base station, or if the installation status of neighboring basestations change, then the radio environment related to the base stationchanges. Therefore, conventionally, a drive test is performed by anoperator where a measurement vehicle mounted thereon with a measurementequipment is used to measure a radio environment and locationinformation to thereby collect a measurement log. Here, the radioenvironment is received power of a reference signal (RSRP: ReferenceSignal Received Power) received from a base station, for example.

Such a measurement and collection is capable of, for example,contributing to the optimization of a coverage; however, there is aproblem that too many man-hours are required and thus, a high costensues. Thus, according to 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project),which is a project aiming to standardize a mobile communication system,an MDT (Minimization of Drive Test) specification is designed where auser terminal is used for automation of the measurement and collection(see Non Patent Document 1).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Non Patent Document

-   Non Patent Document 1: 3GPP Technical Specification “TS37.320    V11.3.0” March, 2013

SUMMARY

The objective of present disclosure is to enable appropriate measurementand collection.

A mobile station according to a first aspect is configured with a loggedMBSFN measurement in which a reception status of an MBMS is measured andcollected by a logged MDT. The mobile station includes a controllerconfigured to transmit an availability indicator to a network at apredetermined timing except when the logged MBSFN measurement is stillongoing, the availability indicator indicating an availability of thelogged MBSFN measurement.

In the first aspect, the controller is configured to perform a controlnot to transmit the availability indicator in response to the loggedMBSFN measurement being still ongoing.

In the first aspect, the predetermined timing is any one of timings of:a connection establishment with the network; a connectionre-establishment with the network; and a handover in the network.

In the first aspect, in case that the mobile station is configured withthe logged MBSFN measurement, in response to the mobile station beingfurther configured with a different type MDT than the logged MBSFNmeasurement, the controller is configured to override a configuration ofthe logged MBSFN measurement with a configuration of the different typeMDT.

A measurement control method according to a second aspect is a methodfor a mobile station configured with a logged MBSFN measurement in whicha reception status of an MBMS is measured and collected by a logged MDT.The measurement control method includes transmitting an availabilityindicator to a network at a predetermined timing except when the loggedMBSFN measurement is still ongoing, the availability indicatorindicating an availability of the logged MBSFN measurement.

A processor according to a third aspect is a processor to be equipped ina mobile station configured with a logged MBSFN measurement in which areception status of an MBMS is measured and collected by a logged MDT.The processor is configured to transmit an availability indicator to anetwork at a predetermined timing except when the logged MBSFNmeasurement is still ongoing, the availability indicator indicating anavailability of the logged MBSFN measurement.

A base station according to a third aspect is a base station forcommunicating with a mobile station, wherein the mobile station isconfigured with a logged MBSFN measurement in which a reception statusof an MBMS is measured and collected by a logged MDT. The base stationincludes a receiver configured to receive an availability indicator fromthe mobile terminal at a predetermined timing except when the loggedMBSFN measurement is still ongoing, the availability indicatorindicating an availability of the logged MBSFN measurement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an LTE system according to a firstembodiment to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of UE according to the first embodiment to thesixth embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of eNB according to the first embodiment tothe sixth embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a protocol stack diagram of a radio interface according to thefirst embodiment to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a radio frame used in the LTEsystem according to the first embodiment to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an MBMS area according to the firstembodiment to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an MBMS system according to thefirst embodiment to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the LTE system according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the LTE system according to thesecond embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the LTE system according to thethird embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the LTE system according to thefourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of the LTE system according to thefifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of MBMS MDT according to the firstembodiment to the sixth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

Hereinafter, an embodiment for applying the present disclosure to an LTEsystem is explained.

(1) System Configuration

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an LTE system according to a firstembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the LTE system according to the firstembodiment includes UE (User Equipment) 100, E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTSTerrestrial Radio Access Network) 10, and EPC (Evolved Packet Core) 20.

The UE 100 corresponds to a user terminal. The UE 100 is a mobilecommunication device, which performs radio communication with a cell (aserving cell). The configuration of the UE 100 will be described later.

The E-UTRAN 10 corresponds to a radio access network. The E-UTRAN 10includes eNB 200 (an evolved Node-B). The eNB 200 corresponds to a basestation. The eNBs 200 are connected mutually via an X2 interface. Theconfiguration of the eNB 200 will be described later.

The eNB 200 manages one or a plurality of cells, and performs radiocommunication with the UE 100 that establishes a connection with a cellof the eNB 200. The eNB 200 has a radio resource management (RRM)function, a routing function of user data, a measurement controlfunction for mobility control and scheduling and the like. The “cell” isused as a term indicating a smallest unit of a radio communication area,and is also used as a term indicating a function of performing radiocommunication with the UE 100.

The EPC 20 corresponds to a core network. The EPC 20 includes MME(Mobility Management Entity)/S-GW (Serving-Gateway) 300. The MMEperforms different types of mobility control and the like for the UE100. The S-GW performs transfer control of the user data. The MME/S-GW300 is connected to the eNB 200 via an S1 interface. It is noted thatthe E-UTRAN 10 and the EPC 20 constitute a network of the LTE system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the UE 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theUE 100 includes a plurality of antennas 101, a radio transceiver 110, auser interface 120, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver130, a battery 140, a memory 150, and a processor 160. The memory 150and the processor 160 configure a control unit. The UE 100 may notnecessarily have the GNSS receiver 130. Furthermore, the memory 150 maybe integrally formed with the processor 160, and this set (that is, achip set) may be called a processor 160′.

The antenna 101 and the radio transceiver 110 are used to transmit andreceive a radio signal. The radio transceiver 110 converts a basebandsignal (a transmission signal) output from the processor 160 into aradio signal, and transmits the radio signal from the antenna 101.Furthermore, the radio transceiver 110 converts a radio signal receivedby the antenna 101 into a baseband signal (a reception signal), andoutputs the baseband signal to the processor 160.

The user interface 120 is an interface with a user carrying the UE 100,and includes, for example, a display, a microphone, a speaker, andvarious buttons. The user interface 120 receives an operation from auser and outputs a signal indicating the content of the operation to theprocessor 160. The GNSS receiver 130 receives a GNSS signal in order toobtain location information indicating a geographical location of the UE100, and outputs the received signal to the processor 160. The battery140 accumulates a power to be supplied to each block of the UE 100.

The memory 150 stores a program to be executed by the processor 160 andinformation to be used for processing by the processor 160. Theprocessor 160 includes a baseband processor that performs modulation anddemodulation, encoding and decoding and the like on the baseband signal,and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various types ofprocesses by executing the program stored in the memory 150. Theprocessor 160 may further include a codec that performs encoding anddecoding on sound and video signals. The processor 160 executes varioustypes of processes and various types of communication protocolsdescribed later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the eNB 200. As illustrated in FIG. 3, theeNB 200 includes a plurality of antennas 201, a radio transceiver 210, anetwork interface 220, a memory 230, and a processor 240. The memory 230and the processor 240 configure a control unit. Furthermore, the memory230 may be integrally formed with the processor 240, and this set (thatis, a chipset) may be called a processor.

The antenna 201 and the radio transceiver 210 are used to transmit andreceive a radio signal. The radio transceiver 210 converts a basebandsignal (a transmission signal) output from the processor 240 into aradio signal, and transmits the radio signal from the antenna 201.Furthermore, the radio transceiver 210 converts a radio signal receivedby the antenna 201 into a baseband signal (a reception signal), andoutputs the baseband signal to the processor 240.

The network interface 220 is connected to the neighboring eNB 200 viathe X2 interface and is connected to the MME/S-GW 300 via the Siinterface. The network interface 220 is used in communication performedon the X2 interface and communication performed on the Si interface.

The memory 230 stores a program to be executed by the processor 240 andinformation to be used for processing by the processor 240. Theprocessor 240 includes a baseband processor that performs modulation anddemodulation, encoding and decoding and the like on the baseband signaland a CPU that performs various types of processes by executing theprogram stored in the memory 230. The processor 240 executes varioustypes of processes and various types of communication protocolsdescribed later.

FIG. 4 is a protocol stack diagram of a radio interface in the LTEsystem. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the radio interface protocol isclassified into a first layer to a third layer of an OSI referencemodel, such that the first layer is a physical (PHY) layer. The secondlayer includes a MAC (Medium Access Control) layer, an RLC (Radio LinkControl) layer, and a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer. Thethird layer includes an RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer.

The physical layer performs encoding and decoding, modulation anddemodulation, antenna mapping and demapping, and resource mapping anddemapping. Between the physical layer of the UE 100 and the physicallayer of the eNB 200, user data and control signals are transmitted viaa physical channel.

The MAC layer performs priority control of data, a retransmissionprocess by a hybrid ARQ (HARQ), a random access procedure, and the like.Between the MAC layer of the UE 100 and the MAC layer of the eNB 200,user data and control signals are transmitted via a transport channel.The MAC layer of the eNB 200 includes a scheduler for determining atransport format (a transport block size and a modulation and codingscheme) of an uplink and a downlink, and a resource block to be assignedto the UE 100.

The RLC layer transmits data to an RLC layer of a reception side byusing the functions of the MAC layer and the physical layer. Between theRLC layer of the UE 100 and the RLC layer of the eNB 200, user data andcontrol signals are transmitted via a logical channel.

The PDCP layer performs header compression and decompression, andencryption and decryption.

The RRC layer is defined only in a control plane that handles controlsignals. Between the RRC layer of the UE 100 and the RRC layer of theeNB 200, a control signal (an RRC message) for various types of settingsis transmitted. The RRC layer controls a logical channel, a transportchannel, and a physical channel according to the establishment,re-establishment, and release of a radio bearer. When there is aconnection (an RRC connection) between the RRC of the UE 100 and the RRCof the eNB 200, the UE 100 is in an RRC connected state. Otherwise, theUE 100 is in an RRC idle state.

An NAS (Non-Access Stratum) layer positioned above the RRC layerperforms session management, mobility management and the like.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a radio frame used in the LTEsystem. In the LTE system, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division MultipleAccess) is applied to a downlink, and SC-FDMA (Single Carrier FrequencyDivision Multiple Access) is applied to an uplink, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a radio frame is configured by 10 subframesarranged in a time direction. Each subframe is configured by two slotsarranged in the time direction. Each subframe has a length of 1 ms andeach slot has a length of 0.5 ms. Each subframe includes a plurality ofresource blocks (RBs) in a frequency direction, and a plurality ofsymbols in the time direction. Each resource block includes a pluralityof subcarriers in the frequency direction. Of the radio resources (timeand frequency resources) assigned to the UE 100, a frequency resourcecan be identified by a resource block and a time resource can beidentified by a subframe (or a slot).

In the downlink, an interval of several symbols at the head of eachsubframe is a region used as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)for mainly transmitting a control signal. Furthermore, the remaininginterval of each subframe is a region available as a physical downlinkshared channel (PDSCH) for mainly transmitting user data.

In the uplink, both ends in the frequency direction of each subframe areregions used as a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for mainlytransmitting a control signal. The other portion in each subframe is aregion available as a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for mainlytransmitting user data.

(2) MBMS

The LTE system according to the first embodiment supports MBMS(Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service). In the MBMS, the UE 100receives multimedia data (MBMS data) distributed by multicast orbroadcast from a network. The UE 100 is capable of receiving MBMS datanot only in the RRC connected state but also in the RRC idle state.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an area where MBMS is provided. As shown inFIG. 6, one MBSFN (Multicast-Broadcast Single-Frequency Network) area isconfigured by a plurality of cells, and an MBMS service area isconfigured by a plurality of MBSFN areas. One cell may belong to aplurality of MBMS areas.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a network configuration related to MBMS. Asshown in FIG. 7, BMSC (Broadcast Multicast Service Center) 310 providesa function of distributing MBMS data. MBMS-GW (MBMS gateway) 320broadcasts MBMS data to each eNB 200. MCE (Multi-cell CoordinationEntity) 330 controls a radio resource used by each eNB 200 in the sameMBSFN area or sets an MBSFN subframe.

(3) MBMS measurement control method according to first embodiment

A network is not capable of comprehending whether or not MBMS data isreceived in a good reception state. Therefore, it is difficult tooptimize a network for improving a reception state of MBMS data.

On the other hand, in the LTE system, as a function of optimizing anetwork, MDT (Minimization of Drive Test) is specified. In Existing MDT,which is a currently defined MDT method, the UE 100 measures andcollects reception quality on the basis of measurement information(Existing MDT Configuration) on the MDT notified from the eNB 200.

In the MDT, it is considered to support a measurement relating to MBMS(MBSFN MDT). Specifically, it is considered that the eNB 200 setsmeasurement information of the MBSFN MDT (MBSFN MDT Configuration) tothe UE 100 and the UE 100 measures a reception quality of MBMS.

Using FIG. 13, a sequence of a case where the measurement information ofthe MBSFN MDT is set to the UE 100 will be described.

The eNB 200 holds measurement information of MBSFN MDT, a Trace ID, andanother setting information (S1301). The Trace ID is an identifier usedfor uniquely distinguishing measurement information. The UE 100 iscapable of distinguishing, from the Trace ID, a timing when measurementinformation is set and whether measurement information is current orpast information.

The eNB 200 broadcasts the setting of MBMS (MBMS Configuration) into thearea of the eNB 200 (S1302). More specifically, the measurementinformation of the MBSFN MDT is transmitted.

Only UE 100-4 that supports the MBMS sets the measurement information ofthe MBSFN MDT and starts measuring and collecting the MBMS receptionquality. It is noted that UE 100-5 that does not support the MBMS doesnot implement MDT of the MBMS.

The UE 100-4 receives MBMS data and measures and collect the receptionquality (S1305, S1306).

The UE 100-4 stops the measurement and collection (S1304, S1305). Areason for stopping the measurement and collection may be that a MBMSperiod expires and there are no more resources for the MDT, for example.

The UE 100-4 transmits Available Indication (Availability Indicator)indicating that it is possible to utilize the result of the measurementand collection by the MDT, to the eNB 200 (S1307).

Upon reception of an instruction from the eNB 200 (S1308 Log retrieve),the UE 100-4 reports the collection result of the reception quality.This message includes the Trace ID (Log reporting w/Trace ID).

Here, when the Existing MDT and the MBSFN MDT coexist, it is notrealistic from a viewpoint of a load of the UE 100, for example, for theUE 100 to set the information elements for two MDTs and measure andcollect the simultaneously designated reception qualities. Therefore, itis necessary to define a plurality of MDT functions on the assumptionthat there is one MDT simultaneously set by the UE 100.

On the other hand, in order to support MDT also in the MBMS, the eNB 200simultaneously transmits instructions for the Existing MDT and the MBSFNMDT by individual signaling, multicast, or broadcast, to the UE 100.

Thus, the eNB 200 needs to appropriately recognize the setting, in theUE 100, of the Existing MDT and the MBSFN MDT. In particular, during ahandover, eNB 200-2 to which the handover is made need to acquire thesetting of MDT for the UE 100 and make appropriate control thereof.

By using FIG. 8, an operation during a handover according to the firstembodiment will be described.

The UE 100, to which the measurement information of the Existing MDT orthe MBMS MDT is set, communicates with eNB 200-1 from which the handoveris made (not shown).

The UE 100 in a state of communicating with the eNB 200-1 performs thehandover to the eNB 200-2 and switches communication paths from aconnection A to a connection B (S801).

During the handover, the eNB 200-1 notifies the eNB 200-2 of informationon the setting of the MDT for the UE 100, and the eNB 200-2 acquiresinformation on the setting of the MDT for the UE 100 (S802). Theinformation on the setting of the MDT for the UE 100 is identificationinformation indicating whether the UE 100 sets the measurementinformation of the Existing MDT or the measurement information of theMBSFN MDT.

Further, during the handover, the UE 100 performs a process relating tothe connection B with the eNB 200-2, for example, an RRC configuration(S803).

Instead of S802, in a procedure in S803, the UE may notify eNB 200-2 ofthe identification information.

The eNB 200-2 is capable of recognizing, by the identificationinformation, that the Existing MDT or the MBSFN MDT is already set tothe UE 100. Thus, the eNB 200-2 is capable of controlling to notinstruct the MDT when there is no need of newly instructing the MDT. Forexample, the eNB 200-2 is capable of avoiding a need of instructingagain the setting of the MBMS MDT when the measurement information ofthe Existing MDT or the measurement information of the MBSFN MDT isalready set to the UE 100.

Second Embodiment

By using FIG. 9, a second embodiment will be described. It is noted thata description for the same operation as that of the first embodimentwill be omitted.

In the Existing MDT, a network function of the EPC 20, for example,selects the UE 100 on the basis of a contract, and the eNB 200 uses theindividual signaling to instruct the setting of the measurementinformation of the Existing MDT to the UE 100. For example, the eNB 200instructs, by individual signaling, the UE 100-1 selected by the networkfunction to set the measurement information of the Existing MDT (S901).

On the other hand, in the MBMS MDT, the eNB 200 instructs, by broadcastor multicast, the UE that supports the MBMS MDT in the area to set themeasurement information of the MBSFN MDT. For example, the eNB 200transmits, by broadcast or multicast, an instruction to set themeasurement information of the MBSFN MDT, to the area of the eNB 200.The UE 100-1, the UE 100-2, and the UE 100-3 that support the MBMS MDTin the area receive the MBSFN MDT (S902).

Here, the UE 100-1 separately receives an instruction to set theExisting MDT, and therefore, it is not preferable to prioritize thesetting of the MBSFN MDT received by broadcast or multicast, which is aninstruction to an unspecified large number of UEs. The UE 100 is capableonly of setting one MDT at the same time, and thus, the UE 100-1maintains the setting of the measurement information of the Existing MDTand continues the measurement and collection. The UE 100-1 ignores aninstruction regarding the received MBSFN MDT.

On the other hand, upon receiving an instruction to set the measurementinformation of the MBMS MDT, the UE 100-2 and the UE 100-3 to which theExisting MDT is not set, set the measurement information of the MBMS MDT(S902).

However, even in this case, upon receiving, by individual signaling, aninstruction to set the Existing MDT, the UE 100-2 or the UE 100-3 setsthe measurement information of the Existing MDT and measures andcollects the reception quality instructed by the Existing MDT. The UE100-2 or the UE 100-3 stops measuring and collecting the receptionquality using the measurement information of the MBSFN MDT.

It is noted that the UE 100-2 or the UE 100-3 may discard a log of theMBMS MDT that is in the middle of being collected and may report the logto the eNB 200 at a particular timing.

Further, upon reception of the measurement information of the ExistingMDT, the UE 100-2 or the UE 100-3 may discard the measurementinformation of the MBSFN MDT, and when a predetermined status issatisfied after the measurement by the measurement information of theExisting MDT, the UE 100-2 or the UE 100-3 may resume measuring andcollecting the reception status by the measurement information of theMBMS MDT.

Third Embodiment

By using FIG. 10, a third embodiment will be described. It is noted thata description for the same operation as that of the first embodiment andthe second embodiment will be omitted.

There is a case where the reception status is preferably measured andcollected to the end by using not the types of the MDT but using thepreviously set measurement information of the MDT, in view ofeffectively measuring and collecting the reception status by the MDT.

The eNB 200-3 transmits an MDT setting notification #1 to the UE 100(S1001). Here, in the MDT setting notification #1, the measurementinformation of the MBSFN MDT may be included, and the measurementinformation of the Existing MDT may be included.

Further, the eNB 200-3 may transmit the MDT setting notification #1 byusing either one of individual signaling, broadcast, or multicast.

When the UE 100 does not set the measurement information of the MDT, theUE 100 sets the measurement information included in the notified MDTsetting notification #1 to measure and collect the reception quality.

The UE 100 moves to the area of eNB 200-4 and receives an MDTnotification #2 from the eNB 200-4 (S1003). The MDT notification #2 maybe the Existing MDT or the MBSFN MDT, similarly to the MDT #1.

Further, the eNB 200-4 may transmit the MDT setting notification #2 byusing either one of individual signaling, broadcast, or multicast,similarly to the MDT setting notification #1.

In the present embodiment, even when the MDT #2 is notified, the UE 100maintains the setting by the measurement information, notified by theMDT #1. The UE 100 may ignore the received MDT #2.

It is noted that when the UE 100 is in a connected state (RRC connectedstate), the UE 100 may transmit, to the eNB 200-4, a notification(Reject Message) indicating that the UE 100 does not set the MDT #2.Alternatively, the UE 100 may respond to the eNB 200-4 that the UE 100sets the MDT #1.

Further, as another operation method, a method may be possible where theUE 100 always operates by setting the latest measurement information ofthe MDT. The reason for this is that, it is highly probable that thelatest MDT has a setting where the network desires the measurement andcollection.

In this case, when the UE 100 sets the MDT and receives a notificationto set MDT by individual signaling, broadcast, or multicast, the UE 100sets the measurement information of the MDT, which is notified later.

Alternatively, when the UE 100 receives a notification to set MDT byindividual signaling, broadcast, or multicast, the UE 100 specifies atiming at which the already set measurement information of MDT is set bya network and a timing at which a newly notified measurement informationof MDT is set by a network, from measurement information of MDT. Afterbeing specified, the UE 100 specifies the measurement information of theMDT in which the setting timing is newer.

Fourth Embodiment

By using FIG. 11, a fourth embodiment will be described. It is notedthat a description for the same operation as that of the firstembodiment to the third embodiment will be omitted.

There is a case where the priorities of the Existing MDT and the MBSFNMDT is preferably notified from a viewpoint of easily realizingcontention control when the UE 100 receives information of these MDTs,for example.

When transmitting, by broadcast or multicast, the measurementinformation of the MBMS MDT, in the area of the eNB 200, the eNB 200notifies priority information (S1101). For example, the priorityinformation may be notified by including it in an MBSFN measurementconfiguration message.

Here, the priority information is information for distinguishing thepriority among the Existing MDT and the MBSFN MDT, in the UEs 100.

It is preferable to transmit, together with the priority information,information for specifying the UE 100 to which the priority informationis applied. This enables an arbitrary UE or UE group only to measure andcollect a reception status by the MDT that complies with the priority.

It is noted that the UE 100 that receives the priority notification andthen sets the measurement information different from the currently setmeasurement information of the MDT may discard the log of the MBMS MDTin the middle of being collected, or may report the log to the eNB 200at a particular timing.

Further, the UE 100 may discard the currently set measurementinformation of the MDT or may resume the collection when a predeterminedstatus is satisfied.

Fifth Embodiment

By using FIG. 12, a fifth embodiment will be described. It is noted thata description for the same operation as that of the first embodiment tothe fourth embodiment will be omitted.

The eNB 200 notifies the UE 100, by individual signaling, broadcast, ormulticast, of measurement information of MBSFN MDT.

The measurement information of the MBSFN MDT is notified to the UE 100by using different signals, and thus, it may be probable that acontention between the MBSFN MDTs occurs.

Therefore, the eNB 200 uses the individual signaling to notify the UE100-1 in a connected state of MBSFN MDT measurement information. The UE100-1 sets the measurement information received by individual signaling.On the other hand, the UE 100-1 ignores measurement information of MBSFNMDT received by broadcast or multicast.

Contrary thereto, the UE 100-2 and the UE 100-3 in an idle state setmeasurement information of MBSFN MDT received by broadcast or multicast.

The UE 100-1 uses the measurement information of the MBSFN MDT notifiedby individual signaling to measure and report a reception status ofMBMS, even after transiting to an idle state. After transiting to anidle state, the UE 100-1 ignores measurement information of MBSFN MDTreceived by broadcast or multicast.

It is possible to avoid contention between MBSFN MDTs by using anothermethod. For example, it is also possible to avoid contention by using aTrace ID. In this case, the UE 100 confirms a Trace ID and adopts thelatest measurement information to avoid contention between MBSFN MDTs.

It is noted that a method may be adopted where when measurementinformation of MBSFN MDT is notified by broadcast or multicast, in orderto avoid contention between MBSFN MDTs, the eNB 200 does not transmitMBSFN MDT by using individual signaling for a fixed period.

It may be possible that contention is avoided when the UE 100prioritizes measurement information of MBSFN MDT transmitted byindividual signaling.

When the UE 100 receives measurement information of MBSFN MDT byindividual signaling in a state where measurement information of MBSFNMDT received by multicast or broadcast is set to the UE 100, the UE 100updates the setting to the measurement information of the MBSFN MDTreceived by individual signaling.

Further, when the UE 100 receives the measurement information bymulticast or broadcast in a state where measurement information in MBSFNMDT received by individual signaling is set to the UE 100, the UE 100maintains the setting of the measurement information received by theindividual signaling.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. It is noted that adescription for the same operation as that of the first embodiment tothe fifth embodiment will be omitted.

It is considered that measurement information of MBSFN MDT istransmitted by broadcast or multicast.

When the UE 100 receives measurement information of MBSFN MDT bybroadcast or multicast, it is probable that reception informationincluded in the measurement information is not an exact value. This isbecause when measurement information is transmitted by broadcast ormulticast, a message is repeatedly transmitted.

The UE 100 sets an exact time (timeInfoUTC) at a time point at whichmeasurement information of MBSFN MDT is received by broadcast ormulticast, as absoluteTimeInfo. It is noted that the UE 100 may acquirethe timeInfoUTC from GPS, for example.

Alternatively, the UE 100 reuses the existing absoluteTimeInfo; however,the UE 100 permits a content of the absoluteTimeInfo to be changedwithout a system information update notification.

Further, in a case of multiple logging, that is, when measurementinformation is set so that a plurality of log collections are performedsimultaneously, it is necessary to accurately specify the collectiontime of each log and compare the log at the same time.

The UE may set a time stamp based on absoluteTimeInfo when themeasurement information is received, for each log. Alternatively, the UEmay specify a time by a method in which absoluteTimeInfo received firstis applied to all the logs to compare the logs.

Other Embodiments

In the above-described embodiments, the MDT of MBMS and the Existing MDTare described; however, these may be also applied to between anotherMDT.

Each of the above-described embodiments may be implementedindependently; two or more embodiments may be combined and implemented.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the LTE systemis described as an example of the mobile communication system; however,the present disclosure may be applied not only to the LTE system butalso to a system other than the LTE system.

Hereinbelow, additional remarks of the aforementioned embodiments willbe described.

A mobile station according to an additional remark is configured with alogged MBSFN measurement in which a reception status of an MBMS ismeasured and collected by a logged MDT. The mobile station includes acontroller configured to transmit an availability indicator to a networkat a predetermined timing except when the logged MBSFN measurement isstill ongoing, the availability indicator indicating an availability ofthe logged MBSFN measurement.

The controller is configured to perform a control not to transmit theavailability indicator in response to the logged MBSFN measurement beingstill ongoing.

The predetermined timing is any one of timings of: a connectionestablishment with the network; a connection re-establishment with thenetwork; and a handover in the network.

In case that the mobile station is configured with the logged MBSFNmeasurement, in response to the mobile station being further configuredwith a different type MDT than the logged MBSFN measurement, thecontroller is configured to override a configuration of the logged MBSFNmeasurement with a configuration of the different type MDT.

A measurement control method according to an additional remark is amethod for a mobile station configured with a logged MBSFN measurementin which a reception status of an MBMS is measured and collected by alogged MDT. The measurement control method includes transmitting anavailability indicator to a network at a predetermined timing exceptwhen the logged MBSFN measurement is still ongoing, the availabilityindicator indicating an availability of the logged MBSFN measurement.

A processor according to an additional remark is a processor to beequipped in a mobile station configured with a logged MBSFN measurementin which a reception status of an MBMS is measured and collected by alogged MDT. The processor is configured to transmit an availabilityindicator to a network at a predetermined timing except when the loggedMBSFN measurement is still ongoing, the availability indicatorindicating an availability of the logged MBSFN measurement.

1. Introduction

The need to support both existing MDT and MBSFN MDT simultaneously isnot yet clear. This issue is further discussed in the additional remarkalong with proposals to minimize impact to the UE and the existingspecifications.

2. Simultaneous MDT

As part of the discussion to incorporate MBSFN MDT with the existingMDT, much of the previous discussions have been geared towards thesupport for MBSFN MDT without impacting the existing MDT. The impact tothe existing MDT should be considered from both the impact to thespecification as well as the impact to the UE. However, in some casesless impact to the specification does not necessary imply less impact tothe UE and vice versa. Previously, as part of the discussion on thesupport of the existing MDT, it had been decided that the UE will onlyneed to support one MDT log. The support for multiple logs to supportmultiple RATs was excluded and the support for logged MDT in Connectedwas also excluded. Part of the reasons for excluding these options wasto reduce the burden on the UE from both complexity and required memory.There shouldn't be any special provisions to allow simultaneous MDTsjust to support MBSFN MDT. This would be significant departure from theexisting MDT behavior for the UE.

Proposal 1: The UE should not be required to support simultaneous MDTs.

2.1. Support for Single MDT

DCCH based configuration is considered baseline; therefore the MBSFN MDTconfiguration is directly controlled on a per-UE basis.

Agreements

2. Immediate MDT for MBSFN is not supported in Rel-12.

1. RAN2 intends to support logged MDT for MBSFN measurements inRRC_CONNECTED. The final decision is to be taken based on stage-3details.

3. We use DCCH based configuration as baseline.

3a. If time permits, we can try to support MCCH based configuration aswell

With the above assumption, it should be possible for the network toprevent the configuration of another MDT type in case the UE has anon-going MDT session unless the on-going MDT session is no longerapplicable (e.g., the UE is no longer interested in MBMS). In the caseof Signalling Based Trace, the core network should be able to providethe proper coordination to configure the preferred MDT type to the UE,since the core network selects the UEs to perform either the existingMDT or the MBSFN MDT. However, since existing MDT and MBSFN MDT may notbe coordinated it may not be possible to prevent simultaneous MDT for aparticular UE.

For the case of Management Based Trace, it was decided that there was noneed to transfer an MDT context (any related configuration informationabout measurement and reporting) between eNBs for Logged MDT in IDLE. Inaddition, MDT context is assumed to be released in the RAN nodes whenthe UE is in IDLE. The situation is different with MBSFN MDT since MBSFNMDT supports Logged MDT in Connected. If we follow the previous MDTagreement that the MDT configurations configured by management basedtrace will not propagate during handover then the target eNB does notknow that the UE is already configured with either of the two MDTs, itis possible that the UE may be configured with a new MDT in which casesimultaneous MDT may occur.

One of the ways to prevent simultaneous MDTs is to allow the UE todiscard one of the MDTs in case the UE receives another type of MDTconfiguration. The two alternatives are as follows:

-   -   Alt A-1: The new MDT type will always overwrite the MDT that was        previously configured to the UE.    -   Alt A-2: The new MDT type configuration will be discarded if the        UE already has a configured MDT.

These two alternatives have the advantages that the eNB does not need toknow the status of the UE's MDT configuration before initiating a newMDT configuration to the UE. However, Alt A-1 is more preferable sinceit was previously agreed as part of the existing MDT agreements that“When the network configures a new LOG MDT configuration, this willalways replace any already configured LOG MDT configuration and thecorresponding logging will be cleared at the same time.”

In addition, the eNB may have specific reason(s) to configure a new MDTto the UE, possibly intentionally, since the UE's previous MDT may nolonger be needed.

Proposal 2: To prevent simultaneous MDT, the UE will overwrite the MDTthat was previously configured to the UE with the new MDT type.

2.2. Availability Indicator for MBSFN MDT

With the existing MDT, the UE includes the availability indicator atevery transition from RRC Idle mode to RRC Connected mode even thoughthe logging period has not ended. This often leads to the need for thenetwork to retrieve partial logged data which in turn requires thenetwork to combine data from multiple log retrievals. If the UE also haslogs for MBSFN MDT there will be additional complexities for the networkto sort out multiple logs from multiple MDTs.

To support MBSFN MDT, it had been suggested that a separate availabilityindicator be used to support MBSFN MDT. Having separate indicators sothat the network will know which MDT log should be retrieved. However,there may be an issue with simply applying the same rules for theone-bit indicator as in the case for the existing MDT. For the case withthe existing MDT, the availability indicator is only triggered uponconnection establishment/re-establishment and handovers since the LoggedMDT is only applicable for the Idle mode. However, since MBSFN MDTsupports the MDT logging for both RRC Connected and Idle modes, itshould be further clarified when the availability indicator should betriggered. The existing MDT assumes fractional data retrieval which maybe manageable if the UE only performs logging while in IDLE. If the newavailability indicator for MBSFN MDT were to be sent repeatedly whilethe UE is in the RRC Connected mode, this may substantially increase thenumber of fractional data retrievals along with increased signalingload. Before deciding on when the availability indicator should betriggered, the following alternatives for availability indicator shouldbe considered:

-   -   Alt B-1: One bit is used to indicate log availability for MBSFN        MDT as in the case for the existing MDT. It is FFS when the UE        should trigger the availability indicator while logging in        RRC_CONNECTED.

Table 1 shows UE/eNB handling with Alt B-1.

TABLE 1 Indication bit UE Handling eNB handling true UE has logged dataavailable eNB may choose to for MBSFN MDT retrieve the MBSFN MDT logand/or configure the UE with a new MDT

-   -   Alt B-2: One bit is used to indicate to the eNB when the UE has        logged data available and the UE has completed the MBSFN MDT        i.e., the duration period has expired.

Table 2 shows UE/eNB handling with Alt B-2.

TABLE 2 Indication bit UE Handling eNB handling true UE has logged dataavailable eNB may choose to AND has completed MBSFN retrieve the MBSFNMDT configured previously MDT log and/or configure the UE with a newMDT.

-   -   Alt B-3: Two-bit indicator is sent to the eNB. The first bit        informs the eNB on whether the UE has any logged data available        and the second bit informs the eNB whether the UE is still        performing MDT measurements based on the previous configuration        (i.e., the log duration has not expired).

Table 3 shows UE/eNB handling with Alt B-3.

TABLE 3 UE Handling eNB handling Indication bit #1 true UE has loggeddata eNB may choose to retrieve the MBSFN MDT log. Indication bit #2true MBSFN MDT If this bit is present, the configuration eNB may choosenot to has not ended. configure a new MDT (either existing MDT or MBSFNMDT) to the UE to avoid simultaneous MDT.

Table 4 provides a summary of the 3 alternatives along with theirability to handle the previously described issues:

TABLE 4 Fractional data Supports the retrieval proper coordi- Same ruleprevention in nation of MDT Signaling as existing CONN configurationload MDT Alt B-1 No No medium Yes Alt B-2 Yes No low No Alt B-3  Yes*Yes high No *Even if the UE indicates logged data is available withbit#1, if the UE also indicates with bit#2 that the MBSFN MDT has notended, the eNB may choose to not retrieve the log until the MBSFN MDThas completed.

The results of Table 4 suggest that either Alt B-2 or Alt B-3 can beused to assist the eNB in preventing frequent logged data retrieval,since both Alt B-2 and Alt B-3 has the possibility of indicating to theeNB whether the MBSFN MDT is completed. With respect to the support ofthe proper coordination of MDT configuration only Alt B-3 provides theproper indication to the eNB that the MBSFN MDT is already configured;however, it should be further discussed whether bit #2 should always besent if an MDT configuration exists regardless of whether bit #1 isindicated. Although Proposal 2 may be used to prevent simultaneous MDTs,it isn't preferable for the eNB to configure a UE with a new MDT only tohave the UE discard the previously configured MDT, since the previouslyconfigured MDT may be still desirable for the network. Instead, the eNBcould choose a different UE without a previously configured MDT. Interms of signaling load, Alt B-2 is preferable since the UE onlyindicates log availability when the MBSFN MDT is completed. In contrast,Alt B-3 has the largest impact on signaling load since it does notreduce the log availability indication as compared to Alt B-1, but italso adds a new bit to indicate whether the MBSFN MDT is completed.Finally, the main advantage with Alt B-1 is the benefit of havingconsistent behavior as the existing MDT. However, the existing MDT onlysupports logging in IDLE while the MBSFN MDT supports logging in bothIDLE and CONNECTED. Based on the above we should consider which of thealternatives should be adopted as the availability indicator for MBSFNMDT. Depending on the selected availability indicator we should alsodiscuss when the indicator should be triggered, esp. while the UE is inthe Connected mode.

Proposal 3: we should consider if one of the alternatives should beadopted as the availability indicator for MBSFN MDT.

As described above, a mobile station according to an embodiment includesa controller configured to execute processes of: receiving, from anetwork, configuration information that configures a multicast-broadcastsingle-frequency network (MB SFN) measurement; starting the MBSFNmeasurement based on the configuration information, wherein thecontroller measures and collects a reception status of a multimediabroadcast multicast service (MBMS) by a logged minimization of drivetest (MDT); transmitting an availability indicator to the network at apredetermined timing in response to the MBSFN measurement being notongoing, the availability indicator indicating an availability of loggedMBSFN measurement; and controlling not to transmit the availabilityindicator in response to the MBSFN measurement being still ongoing, evenif the mobile station has the logged MBSFN measurement at thepredetermined timing.

The predetermined timing is any one of timings of: a connectionestablishment with the network; a connection re-establishment with thenetwork; and a handover in the network.

In case that the mobile station is configured with the MBSFNmeasurement, in response to the mobile station being further configuredwith a different type MDT than the MBSFN measurement, the controller isconfigured to override a configuration of the MBSFN measurement with aconfiguration of the different type MDT.

A measurement control method according to an embodiment includes:receiving, from a network, configuration information that configures amulticast-broadcast single-frequency network (MBSFN) measurement;starting the MBSFN measurement based on the configuration information,wherein the mobile station measures and collects a reception status of amultimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) by a logged minimizationof drive test (MDT); transmitting an availability indicator to thenetwork at a predetermined timing in response to the MBSFN measurementbeing not ongoing, the availability indicator indicating an availabilityof logged MBSFN measurement; and controlling not to transmit theavailability indicator in response to the MBSFN measurement being stillongoing, even if the mobile station has the logged MBSFN measurement atthe predetermined timing.

The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/968,004(filed on Mar. 20, 2014) and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/991,057(filed on May 9, 2014) are incorporated herein by reference.

1. A mobile station, comprising: a controller configured to executeprocesses of: receiving, from a network, configuration information thatconfigures a multicast-broadcast single-frequency network (MBSFN)measurement; starting the MBSFN measurement based on the configurationinformation, wherein the controller measures and collects a receptionstatus of a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) by a loggedminimization of drive test (MDT); transmitting an availability indicatorto the network at a predetermined timing in response to the MBSFNmeasurement being not ongoing, the availability indicator indicating anavailability of logged MBSFN measurement; and controlling not totransmit the availability indicator in response to the MBSFN measurementbeing still ongoing, even if the mobile station has the logged MBSFNmeasurement at the predetermined timing.
 2. The mobile station accordingto claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is any one of timings of: aconnection establishment with the network; a connection re-establishmentwith the network; and a handover in the network.
 3. The mobile stationaccording to claim 1, wherein in case that the mobile station isconfigured with the MBSFN measurement, in response to the mobile stationbeing further configured with a different type MDT than the MBSFNmeasurement, the controller is configured to override a configuration ofthe MBSFN measurement with a configuration of the different type MDT. 4.A measurement control method for a mobile station, comprising:receiving, from a network, configuration information that configures amulticast-broadcast single-frequency network (MBSFN) measurement;starting the MBSFN measurement based on the configuration information,wherein the mobile station measures and collects a reception status of amultimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) by a logged minimizationof drive test (MDT); transmitting an availability indicator to thenetwork at a predetermined timing in response to the MBSFN measurementbeing not ongoing, the availability indicator indicating an availabilityof logged MBSFN measurement; and controlling not to transmit theavailability indicator in response to the MBSFN measurement being stillongoing, even if the mobile station has the logged MBSFN measurement atthe predetermined timing.
 5. A device to be equipped in a mobilestation, comprising: at least one processor configured to cause themobile station to execute processes of: receiving, from a network,configuration information that configures a multicast-broadcastsingle-frequency network (MBSFN) measurement; starting the MBSFNmeasurement based on the configuration information, wherein the mobilestation measures and collects a reception status of a multimediabroadcast multicast service (MBMS) by a logged minimization of drivetest (MDT); transmitting an availability indicator to the network at apredetermined timing in response to the MBSFN measurement being notongoing, the availability indicator indicating an availability of loggedMBSFN measurement; and controlling not to transmit the availabilityindicator in response to the MBSFN measurement being still ongoing, evenif the mobile station has the logged MBSFN measurement at thepredetermined timing.